LAS VEGAS — Speakers at the annual National Grocers Association convention here in America's gambling mecca tried to make steering through the recession more of a sure bet for independent operators as part of the meeting's theme, “A Blueprint for Success.” Michael Jackson, president and chief operating officer of Supervalu, Minneapolis, and chairman of NGA, said independents must be “a steady beacon in the communities you serve. Your spirit as independent business people is strong, and you will continue to shine and create success stories — not with bailouts, but with your commitment to your customers.” Here, attendees gather at the reception on the last night of the convention.
